'Sinterklaas’ is the abbreviation of Sint Nicolaas, or our Saint Nicholas, protector of children. This holiday is celebrated every December 6, which is considered Sinterklaas' birthday’ and also the day he returns to Spain with his steamship (stoomboot). The evening of December 5th, on the eve of his departure, or during the previous weekend, the Pakjesavond, or the evening family reunion to exchange gifts. The youngest children receive a gift from Sinterklaas (usually left in a yuta sack in front of the house), while those who are older exchange one with another member of the family drawn by lot, according to a tradition that elsewhere is called 'Secret Santa'. Together with the gifts, packaged in a special and creative package (surprise) we also exchange an affectionate or funny poem, written in rhyme, inspired by the recipientsǝ (gedicht).
Intocht and traditions
Christmas is also celebrated in the Netherlands, but the most loved by children is Sinterklaas, which arrives in mid-November from Spain.’ (a long-awaited moment that is called “Intocht”), every year at a different location in the Netherlands. He makes his triumphal entry on Saturday by ship with his horse, Ozosnel, and his numerous helpers, theZwarte Pieten” and on Sunday he arrives in Amsterdam where he is welcomed by a large demonstration, usually broadcast live on television. If you fancy a little outing’ folkloristic and truly typical, the appointment is Saturday 16th November in Vijfheerenlanden, in the province of Utrecht, or Sunday 17th in the center of Amsterdam.
From 16 November to 5 December, the traditions linked to Sinterklaas multiply: children display one of their shoes at home or at school, which Sinterklaas' helpers gradually fill at night with mandarins, chocolate letters, biscuits and small gifts. Numerous typical desserts are also consumed, such as speculaas, i pepernoten and the kruidnoten, which are different types of biscuits rich in spices and flavours. Finally there are many songs dedicated to Sinterklaas, of which one of the most famous is the following:
Sinterklaas, bonne, bonne, bonne
Gooi wat in mijn lege, lege tonne,
Gooi wat in mijn laarsje,
Dank U, Sinterklaasje.
What does the arrival of Sinterklaas mean for parents
In the next few days, kindergartens and primary schools will be decorated according to the theme (often with the help of parents) and will send the list of planned initiatives. Usually children up to the age of seven or eight (group 4 of the basis school) are invited to bring one of their shoes to school where they will later find a little gift. Starting from group 5 they will have to prepare a surprise (with a small gift inside) and a gedicht for one of their classmates, obviously chosen by lot. Warning, don't take this lightly! A lot of seriousness and commitment are required from children in organizing both of these activities in time, which often end up involving a little’ the whole family at home (even if they shouldn't).
Furthermore, between the end of November and the beginning of December the schools organize a festive morning during which a real Sinterklaas visits all classes together with his helper and bringing sweets and gifts. So don't be surprised if there is no lesson that day.
Other characteristic events of this period are television ones, starting from Sinterklaas Journal, a real 10-minute news program broadcast every day at 6pm on the NPO3 channel. Online you can also find past editions and many activities related to Sinterklaas.
And for creativity enthusiasts there is also SuperSurprise, a program during which children compete to see who creates the most beautiful package. A useful source of inspiration if you need to create your first surprise!
Between stories and legends
There is a story far away that says that three children were killed by an innkeeper and Saint Nicholas brought them back to life, while yet another story says that this man dressed in red with a long beard gave money to three sisters to allow them to get married : whether you believe in one of these stories or in Sinterklaas saving a child from a fire, you can be sure that December 6th in the Netherlands represents one of the most magical and joyful holidays for children and families!
Speculaas biscuits recipe
- 200 g cane sugar
- 1 g baking soda
- 100 g cold butter cut into pieces
- 250 gr farina 00
- 52 g water
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- 1 pinch of ground black pepper
- 2 g of powdered cloves
- 10 g ground cinnamon
Start by placing butter and flour in a mixer; add brown sugar, black pepper, cloves, grated nutmeg, bicarbonate of soda and finally cinnamon. Pour the water onto the "fountain" created with the flour: wrap in cling film and leave to rest in the refrigerator for three or four hours.
Then give the biscuits the shape you prefer and bake at 180° for 15 minutes... enjoy your meal and remember to leave some for Sinterklaas!